>> if republicans are so wedded to this tax pledge to the special interest grover norquist and his organization that if they can't find a way to come up with a bipartisan solution, they have to let the devil do it for them, i guess that's possibly the way we do it. if that helps preserve or protect the middle class, then so be it. but one way or the other republicans have to realize that an election was had, that the wealthiest in this country have to contribute a little bit more. and if they continue to try to protect millionaires and billionaires while they're willing to cut the cost of living increase for seniors on medicare and social security, it's a nonstarter. >> so then under this plan we have to go over the fiscal cliff, even if, right we have to. that's the only way we could get to -- >> can't do it any other way. >> and erskine bowls has said this is kabuki theater. i guess as a voter you all are in the business, a reporter but as a voter you get very frustrated. so this is kabuki theater. this is a whole machination so then at the end you can get to a deadline so we can fall off the